response from QLD Transport:
my question:
"I heard that it might be possible that QLD law regarding the maximum 15mm
diameter tyre increase may meet the national standard of 50mm, is this
correct/going to happen?"
ANSWER:
Thank you for you email enquiry to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (the department) regards tyre size increases in Queensland.
Vehicle standards and vehicle modifications are covered within the Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 1999. This regulation lists the requirements for the fitment of alternative tyres, rims and wheels.
Currently the regulation stipulates that the combination of a tyre and rim is permitted to have a diameter of not more than 15mm more than the diameter specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer or not more than 26mm less than the diameter specified by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
It is important to remember that while a tyre manufacturer may give the diameter of a tyre it can differ noticeably when fitted to alternative rims. Therefore to achieve an accurate representation of the tyre and rim diameter while in combination, the measurement should be taken while the tyre is fitted to the rim and with no loads applied (including vehicle).
This method of determining the tyre and rim diameter ensures the vehicle complies with the legislative requirements of fitting alternative tyre and rims whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded. It is also to ensure consistency with the vehicle manufacturer’s method for determining the original tyre and rim combination’s diameter.
If the tyres and rims you are wishing to fit to your vehicle are within the dimensions mentioned above and load and speed ratings comply, the vehicle will be acceptable on Queensland’s roads. If the tyres and rims fall outside these requirements, the vehicle would be deemed non-complying and not be considered for an exemption to these requirements.
As you may be aware the National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Modification and Construction will be utilised by Queensland Transport later this year. In its current draft form the National Code of Practice allows for a 50mm increased tyre size on 4wd vehicles. However, as the National Code of Practice is in draft form and currently awaiting comments from internal and external stakeholders it is unknown what tyre and rim diameter increase the finalised document will allow.
Until the National Code of Practice has been finalised and endorsed under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Vehicle Standards and Safety) Regulation 1999, the current requirements must be complied with.
I hope this answers your enquiry. Should you have further enquiries please contact the modifications help desk on:- 07-032534851, Monday to
Friday, 830am to 430pm (Wednesday, 930am to 430pm)